The Importance of Supporting Each Other

The importance of supporting each other when it comes to sport cannot be underestimated. Whether it is a youngster trying to pluck up the courage to have the stabilisers taken off their bike, or an athlete competing at a top level, everyone needs the support and encouragement of their family if they are going to have a chance of succeeding.

Support is a two-way street, especially if you all play the same sport; no matter who is the best or who needs improving, it is still important for everyone to support each other.

Support Not Coaching

When it comes to children’s sport, it is vital that parents know their place. A parent’s support to a child is absolutely vital, but, unless they actually are the coach, the parent should be aware that their role is one of support and not a teaching role.

The coach of your children’s sports team should always be allowed to get on with what they are doing with no interference from parents, whose presence at matches or training sessions should be an encouragement to the youngsters.

It is for this reason also that parents should make sure they are encouraging and not berating their children. If the child has something wrong then it is the coach’s job to correct it, not the parents. That is not to say that the parent has to be glowing in their praise of their child at all times, but they should make sure any criticism is balanced with positive comments as well and all technical talk is left to the coach.

Supporting All Levels

Everyone needs support, regardless of the level they are playing or competing at. It may be that you excel at a particular sport but you brother does not. However if he still enjoys the sport then he will still want to play it. But it becomes your job to offer plenty of support and advice to him to make sure he still enjoys it.

If he does not get any support from his family then it may make him want to give up something which he previously enjoyed. You can help him to set goals for himself and support him in his aim of reaching them, meaning that he still achieves something, even if it is not playing for your club’s first team.

Elite Support

The higher a sportsperson goes, the more pressure there is on them. Although it is difficult for someone not in that situation to understand the pressure, support is one of the most important things you can offer them. So even if the family member surpassed you in terms of talent and achievement long ago, they will still relish your support and encouragement in every way as they prepare for the big competitions, with all the pressure that may bring.

Support is one of the backbones of having a strong family unit. It is so important to every member of a family that they know they have the backing of those closet to them. At no time does this apply more than in the field of sport.

However little you understand about their chosen sport, try to make sure you listen to what they are saying and offer your support in a real and tangible way – it will be greatly appreciated.